U.S. patent application number 17/241335 was filed with the patent office on 2021-10-28 for bicycle component provided with electronic device.
This patent application is currently assigned to CAMPAGNOLO S.r.l.. The applicant listed for this patent is CAMPAGNOLO S.r.l.. Invention is credited to Antonio RIZZO.
Application Number | 20210331766 17/241335 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005556049 |
Filed Date | 2021-10-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210331766 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
RIZZO; Antonio |
October 28, 2021 |
BICYCLE COMPONENT PROVIDED WITH ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Abstract
The invention relates to a method of operating an electronic
device associated with a related bicycle component and comprising a
processor and a wake unit, the method comprising the following
steps executable by the processor of the electronic device:
operating alternately in standby mode and in running mode,
switching from the standby mode to the running mode upon receiving
a wake signal from the wake unit at predetermined wake conditions,
and before switching from the running mode to the standby mode,
modifying the configuration of the wake unit by updating the
predetermined wake conditions, such that the subsequent wake signal
is sent to the processor at updated wake conditions.
Inventors: |
RIZZO; Antonio; (Montagnana
- PD, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
CAMPAGNOLO S.r.l. |
Vicenza |
|
IT |
|
|
Assignee: |
CAMPAGNOLO S.r.l.
Vicenza
IT
|
Family ID: |
1000005556049 |
Appl. No.: |
17/241335 |
Filed: |
April 27, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J 45/413 20200201;
B62J 45/411 20200201; B62J 45/415 20200201; B62J 45/414 20200201;
B62M 6/50 20130101; B62J 45/421 20200201 |
International
Class: |
B62M 6/50 20060101
B62M006/50; B62J 45/411 20060101 B62J045/411; B62J 45/421 20060101
B62J045/421; B62J 45/415 20060101 B62J045/415; B62J 45/414 20060101
B62J045/414; B62J 45/413 20060101 B62J045/413 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Apr 28, 2020 |
IT |
102020000009193 |
Claims
1. A method of operating an electronic device associated with a
bicycle component and comprising a processor and a wake unit, the
method comprising the following steps executable by the processor
of the electronic device: operating alternatively in standby mode
and in running mode, switching from standby mode to running mode
upon receiving a wake signal from the wake unit at predetermined
wake conditions, and before switching from the running mode to the
standby mode, modifying the configuration of the wake unit by
updating the predetermined wake conditions, such that the
subsequent wake signal is sent to the processor at updated wake
conditions.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the bicycle component
is a moving component.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined wake
conditions comprise at least one condition selected from the group
consisting of a predetermined position of the bicycle component
with respect to a fixed reference element of the bicycle, a
predetermined inclination taken up by the bicycle and/or by the
bicycle component with respect to a reference axis, a predetermined
load acting on the bicycle component, a predetermined angular
position of the rotating bicycle component or of the bicycle
transmission component, taken up during a rotation movement about a
rotation axis.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wake unit comprises
a sensor, and the method further comprises the following steps,
executable by the wake unit of the electronic device: detecting
parameters associated with the bicycle component by means of said
sensor; and sending the wake signal to the processor when the
parameters detected by the sensor satisfy the predetermined wake
conditions.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, in the step of
modifying the configuration of the wake unit, the updated wake
conditions are defined starting from the predetermined wake
conditions or starting from a value taken up by the parameters
detected by the wake unit upon switching from the running mode to
the standby mode of the processor.
6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, when the predetermined
wake conditions comprise a predetermined angular position of the
rotating bicycle component or of the bicycle transmission
component, in the step of modifying the configuration of the wake
unit the predetermined wake conditions are updated to an updated
angular position that is moved: by a predetermined updating angle
with respect to said predetermined angular position, or by a
predetermined updating angle with respect to the angular position
taken up by the bicycle component upon switching from the running
mode to the standby mode of the processor.
7. The method according to claim 4, wherein the parameters detected
by the sensor of the wake unit comprise a first component of a
vector quantity, measured along a first detection axis of the
sensor, said first component of said vector quantity, being defined
by a respective magnitude and a positive or negative sign that
represents the sense thereof along the respective detection
axis.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein said predetermined wake
conditions provide for exceeding in magnitude a first magnitude
threshold of the vector quantity and matching with a positive sign
or with a negative sign by said first component of the vector
quantity measured along the first detection axis of the sensor; or,
where a second component of said vector quantity is also present,
said predetermined wake conditions provide for: exceeding in
magnitude a first magnitude threshold of the vector quantity and
matching with a positive sign or with a negative sign by said first
component of the vector quantity measured along the first detection
axis of the sensor; or exceeding in magnitude a second magnitude
threshold of the vector quantity and matching with a positive sign
or with a negative sign by said second component of the vector
quantity measured along a second detection axis of the sensor.
9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the sensor of the wake
unit is an accelerometer, and said detected vector quantity is an
acceleration.
10. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step,
executable by the processor of the electronic device, of switching
from the running mode to the standby mode at sleep conditions
comprising at least one sleep condition selected from the group
consisting of: permanence for a time longer than a time threshold
value of a predetermined position of the bicycle component with
respect to a fixed reference element of the bicycle, of a
predetermined inclination taken up by the bicycle and/or by the
bicycle component with respect to a reference axis, of a
predetermined load acting on the bicycle component, of a
predetermined angular position of the rotating bicycle component or
of the bicycle transmission component, taken up during a rotation
movement about a rotation axis, and absence of rotary movement of
the rotating bicycle component or of the bicycle transmission
component for a time longer than a time threshold value.
11. A bicycle component comprising an electronic device including:
a processor suitable for operating alternately in standby mode and
in running mode, and a wake unit operatively connected to the
processor and configured so as to send a wake signal to the
processor to switch from the standby mode to the running mode at
predetermined wake conditions, wherein, before switching from the
running mode to the standby mode, the processor is every time
suitable for modifying the configuration of the wake unit by
updating the predetermined wake conditions, such that the
subsequent wake signal is sent to the processor at updated wake
conditions.
12. The bicycle component according to claim 11, wherein said
bicycle component is a moving component.
13. The bicycle component according to claim 11, wherein the wake
unit comprises a sensor configured to detect parameters associated
with the bicycle component, and wherein the wake unit is configured
to send said wake signal to the processor when the parameters
detected by the sensor satisfy the predetermined wake
conditions.
14. The component according to claim 11, wherein said electronic
device comprises one or more electronic components selected from
the group consisting of at least one stress/strain detector, a
cadence detector, an analog-to-digital converter, a communication
module, an external/internal temperature sensor, a
volatile/non-volatile memory, a battery power unit, a connector, a
battery-charging and current and/or voltage limiting circuit, a
protection circuit of the battery power unit, one or more light
indicators, a control device of an electromechanical or
electrohydraulic actuator.
15. The component according to claim 11, wherein said electronic
device implements or is part of a torque meter and/or of a power
meter and/or of a wireless communication system and/or of an
electromechanical or electrohydraulic actuator.
16. The method according to claim 2, wherein the bicycle moving
component is a bicycle transmission component.
17. The method according to claim 7, wherein the parameters
detected by the sensor of the wake unit further comprise a second
component of a vector quantity, measured along a second detection
axis of the sensor, said second component of said vector quantity
being defined by a respective magnitude and a positive or negative
sign that represents the sense thereof along the respective
detection axis.
18. The bicycle component according to claim 11, wherein said wake
unit comprises a sensor selected from the group consisting of an
accelerometer, a magnetic field sensor, an inclinometer, a
gyroscope, a pressure sensor, and a load cell.
19. The bicycle component according to claim 11 wherein said
bicycle component is a rotating component.
20. The bicycle component according to claim 11 wherein said
bicycle component is selected from the group consisting of a
crankarm, a pedal, a spider leg of a crankarm on a transmission
side, a chainring, a bottom bracket spindle, a freewheel body of a
cogset, and a sprocket.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of Italian Application
No. 102020000009193, filed on Apr. 28, 2020, which is incorporated
herein by reference as if fully set forth.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The invention relates in general to the field of bicycles,
and in particular to a bicycle component provided with electronic
device and to a related operating method.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Bicycles are increasingly equipped with one or more
electronic devices. An electronic device of particular interest
here is for example a torque or power meter that can be associated
with a bicycle component like, for example, a transmission
component. In the present description and in the attached claims,
the term "torque meter" is meant to indicate an instrument for
detecting the torque delivered by the cyclist; the term "power
meter" is meant to indicate an instrument for detecting the
pedaling power. As known, power measurements can be obtained by a
processor by combining the output of a torque meter with the output
of an angular speed meter.
[0004] Another example of electronic device can consist of a
wireless communication system, i.e. a radio system that
transmits/receives commands, which can be associated with a bicycle
component like, for example, a transmission component, a wheel, a
hub, a (front or rear) derailleur element, a derailleur control
device, in particular associated with the handlebars, a brake
lever, a saddle, a seat post, a suspension, and the like.
[0005] The electronic devices generally comprise one or more
electronic components (like, for example, a processor) and are in
general powered through one or more battery power units suitably
arranged over the bicycle. Sometimes, each electronic device of the
bicycle includes its own battery power unit.
[0006] The battery power units that power the electronic devices
can be replaceable, rechargeable on-board or rechargeable while
detached from the bicycle. In all cases, it is necessary to keep
the energy consumption of the electronic devices as low as possible
in order to preserve the charge of the battery power unit and
therefore the autonomy of the electronic device.
[0007] For this purpose, besides providing the electronic device
with an actual on/off switch, it is possible to provide for
operating one or more of the electronic components of the device
(like, for example, a processor) according to different operating
modes, for example by alternating a running mode with a standby
mode.
[0008] In the present description and in the attached claims, under
"standby mode", sometimes also indicated as sleep or wait or
low-power mode, a condition in which an electronic component is not
operating, though is ready to switch from a state of temporary
non-use to running mode, is meant to be indicated; in standby mode,
typically, only those circuits that allow the component to start up
upon receiving commands or in general inputs that involve the
actuation thereof are kept operating, so that there is low
electrical energy consumption.
[0009] Vice-versa, in the present description and in the attached
claims, under "running mode" of an electronic component, a mode is
meant to be indicated, in which the component is ready to receive
commands or in general inputs and to perform tasks, even though it
can be engaged only in waiting for commands and inputs, without
performing any specific task.
[0010] The switching from a standby mode to a running mode is
indicated, in the present description and in the attached claims,
as wake of an electronic component. More in general, under wake of
a component, keeping a device in running mode, preventing it from
entering into standby mode is also meant to be encompassed. A same
signal or a similar signal can be used in both cases.
[0011] The Applicant notes that the switching from a standby mode
to a running mode is generally controlled by a wake mechanism
adapted for emitting a wake signal. The wake signal can be emitted
based on detections made by a suitable sensor associated with the
electronic device.
[0012] For example, European patent application EP3566935A1, to the
same Applicant, describes a bicycle crankarm provided with an
electronic system including a battery power unit, a processor
having a standby mode and a running mode, and a wake unit that
emits a wake signal of the processor.
[0013] In an embodiment described therein, the wake unit is
embodied by an accelerometer and the wake signal consists of an
interrupt generated by the accelerometer when it detects along one
of its axes an acceleration equal to or greater than a threshold
value, or minimum acceleration.
SUMMARY
[0014] The Applicant faced the technical problem of providing an
alternative wake mechanism that is reliable and effective.
[0015] In a first aspect thereof, the invention therefore relates
to a method of operating an electronic device associated with a
bicycle component and comprising a processor and a wake unit, the
method comprising the following steps executable by the processor
of the electronic device:
[0016] operating alternatively in standby mode and in running
mode,
[0017] switching from the standby mode to the running mode upon
receiving a wake signal from the wake unit at predetermined wake
conditions, and
[0018] before switching from the running mode to the standby mode,
modifying the configuration of the wake unit by updating the
predetermined wake conditions, such that the subsequent wake signal
is sent to the processor at updated wake conditions.
[0019] In a second aspect thereof, the invention also relates to a
bicycle component comprising an electronic device including:
[0020] a processor suitable for operating alternately in standby
mode and in running mode, and
[0021] a wake unit operatively connected to the processor and
configured so as to send a wake signal to the processor to switch
from the standby mode to the running mode at predetermined wake
conditions,
[0022] characterized in that, before switching from the running
mode to the standby mode, the processor is each time suitable for
modifying the configuration of the wake unit by updating the
predetermined wake conditions, such that the subsequent wake signal
is sent to the processor at updated wake conditions.
[0023] As will be clear from the following description, updating
(in other words, modifying) each time the wake conditions, such
that the subsequent wake signal is sent to the processor at updated
(in other words modified) wake conditions, advantageously allows to
obtain an alternative, reliable and effective wake mechanism.
[0024] Furthermore, in embodiments of the invention, the update of
the wake conditions allows in particular to minimize the chances of
undesired wakes of the processor of the electronic device, and thus
to preserve the charge of the battery power unit that powers the
device and its components.
[0025] The present invention can in one or more of the aspects
thereof have one or more of the preferred features given
hereinafter, which can be combined as desired with each other
depending on the application requirements.
[0026] Preferably, the bicycle component is a moving bicycle
component.
[0027] In the present description and in the attached claims, by
moving component of a bicycle, a bicycle component that in use can
move between one or more positions with respect to a fixed
reference element of the bicycle, for example through a
translational and/or rotational movement about a rotation axis, is
meant to be indicated.
[0028] The fixed reference element of the bicycle is for example
the frame of the bicycle.
[0029] Non-limiting examples of moving components of a bicycle
include a rotating bicycle component, an element of a moving body
of a (front or rear) derailleur, a saddle, a seat post, a
suspension, a derailleur control device, in particular associated
with the handlebars.
[0030] More preferably, the bicycle component is a rotating bicycle
component.
[0031] In the present description and in the attached claims, under
"rotating bicycle component", a bicycle component configured to
rotate, in use, about a rotation axis thereof, is meant to be
indicated.
[0032] For example, such rotating component can be a wheel, a rim,
a hub, a shaft of an actuator adapted for moving an element of the
bicycle (for example a shaft of a motor or of a gearmotor
associated with an electro-mechanical actuator of the derailleur),
or a bicycle transmission component.
[0033] In the present description and in the attached claims, under
"bicycle transmission component", a component that is set into
rotation exclusively through the pedaling movement imparted by the
cyclist during the use of the bicycle (and not when the bicycle is
moved on a travel surface from the outside, for example through a
displacement by hand by a user), is meant to be indicated.
[0034] Even more preferably, the bicycle component is a bicycle
transmission component.
[0035] The bicycle transmission component is preferably selected
from the group consisting of a crankarm, a pedal, a spider leg of a
crankarm on the transmission side, a chainring, a bottom bracket
spindle, a freewheel body of a cogset, a sprocket.
[0036] Preferably, the predetermined wake conditions comprise at
least one condition selected from the group consisting of a
predetermined position of the bicycle component with respect to a
fixed reference element of the bicycle, a predetermined inclination
taken up by the bicycle and/or by the bicycle component with
respect to a reference axis, a predetermined load acting on the
bicycle component, a predetermined angular position of the rotating
bicycle component or of the bicycle transmission component, taken
up during a rotational movement about a rotation axis.
[0037] In particular, when the bicycle component is a moving
component, the predetermined wake conditions preferably comprise a
predetermined position of the bicycle component with respect to a
fixed reference element of the bicycle, like for example the
frame.
[0038] In the case of a rotating component and more in particular
in the case of a bicycle transmission component, the predetermined
wake conditions preferably comprise a predetermined angular
position of the bicycle component, taken up during a rotational
movement about a rotation axis.
[0039] In particular in the case in which the bicycle component is
a transmission component, the provision of an update of the
predetermined wake conditions for the emission of each subsequent
wake signal has a particularly advantageous implementation, since
the chances that involuntary movements or vibrations of the bicycle
component, not corresponding to rotations imparted by the cyclist
through a voluntary pedaling movement, can satisfy such
predetermined wake conditions and cause an undesired waking of the
processor of the electronic device, are effectively minimized, thus
advantageously preserving the charge of the battery power unit that
powers the electronic device and the components thereof.
[0040] Indeed, since the update of the predetermined wake
conditions involves modifying the angular position of the bicycle
component at which the wake signal is emitted, the chances that the
component randomly moves into the updated angular position, which
is different each time from the previous one, are consistently
reduced, if not substantially canceled.
[0041] In other words, undesired and repeated vibrations or
movements in a same direction and/or in a same sense are prevented
from causing the wake of the processor in an undesired manner.
[0042] This type of wake mechanism is thus particularly suitable
for electronic devices such as torque or power meters applied for
example to a crankarm or other transmission component, since such
type of torque or power meter must necessarily pass through
specific angular positions, in a specific order, bound by the fact
that the cyclist must pedal to generate power.
[0043] Even more preferably, the bicycle component is a
crankarm.
[0044] In this case, the electronic device is preferably fixed onto
the crankarm or integrated in the crankarm.
[0045] More preferably, the crankarm is monolithic and made of
composite material comprising structural fiber incorporated in a
polymeric matrix, the crankarm being co-molded with one or more
printed circuit boards that implement said electronic device.
[0046] Preferably, the wake unit comprises a sensor configured to
detect parameters associated with the bicycle component, and the
wake unit is configured to send said wake signal to the processor
when the parameters detected by the sensor satisfy the wake
conditions.
[0047] Preferably, in this case, the method further comprises the
following steps, executable by the wake unit of the electronic
device:
[0048] detecting the parameters associated with the bicycle
component by means of said sensor; and
[0049] sending the wake signal to the processor when the detected
parameters satisfy the predetermined wake conditions.
[0050] In embodiments, in the step of modifying the configuration
of the wake unit, the updated wake conditions are defined starting
from the predetermined wake conditions.
[0051] According to this way of updating the wake conditions, also
indicated hereinafter as "wake-wake", the updated wake conditions
are defined starting from the predetermined wake conditions, in
other words those at which the processor woke up the previous
time.
[0052] In particular, in the embodiments in which the wake
conditions comprise a predetermined angular position of the
rotating bicycle component or of the bicycle transmission
component, the updated angular position is moved by a predetermined
updating angle with respect to said predetermined angular position
of the bicycle component.
[0053] In this case, again in accordance with the "wake-wake"
updating mode of the wake conditions, the updated angular wake
position is defined starting from the predetermined angular
position, which corresponds to the last angular wake position of
the bicycle component, in other words the one at which the
processor woke up the previous time.
[0054] Preferably, in alternative embodiments, in the step of
modifying the configuration of the wake unit, the updated wake
conditions are defined starting from a value taken up by the
parameters detected by the wake unit upon switching from the
running mode to the standby mode of the processor.
[0055] This updating mode of the wake conditions, also indicated
hereinafter as "sleep-wake", provides for the definition of the
updated wake conditions based on the value taken up by the
parameters associated with the bicycle component upon sleeping or
entering into the standby step of the processor.
[0056] In particular, in the embodiments in which the wake
conditions comprise a predetermined angular position of the
rotating bicycle component or of the bicycle transmission
component, the updated angular position is moved by a predetermined
updating angle with respect to the angular position taken up by the
bicycle component upon switching from the running mode to the
standby mode of the processor.
[0057] In this specific case, in accordance with the "sleep-wake"
updating mode of the wake conditions, the subsequent updated
angular positions are determined from the last angular sleep
position of the processor, which of course is not known a priori,
therefore unlike the "wake-wake" mode the subsequent updated
angular positions for each transmission of the wake signal fall
substantially randomly and unpredictably along the full circle,
instead of in positions predetermined from the start. This
configuration is however advantageous since it further decreases
the chances of undesired waking of the processor. Indeed, the
updated angular position is prevented from being by chance defined
at the last angular sleep position of the processor.
[0058] Preferably, in all the cases outlined above, said
predetermined updating angle is 90.degree..
[0059] In embodiments, the processor of the electronic device is
configured to switch from the standby mode to the running mode only
after receiving a plurality of reiterated wake signals from the
wake unit.
[0060] In this case, the step of switching from the standby mode to
the running mode, executable by the processor of the electronic
device, preferably comprises switching from the standby mode to the
running mode only after receiving a plurality of reiterated wake
signals from the wake unit.
[0061] This configuration strengthens the wake conditions against
false positives, by ignoring the first wake signal (and possible
further subsequent wake signals). For example, indeed, when the
wake conditions comprise a predetermined angular position of the
rotating bicycle component or of the bicycle transmission
component, the first wake signal (and possible further subsequent
wake signals) could be due, even though in rare and fortuitous
cases, to an involuntary and undesired rotation of the bicycle
component that brought it precisely into the updated angular
position at which the emission of the first wake signal takes
place.
[0062] Alternatively, the wake unit can be configured to send a
wake signal to the processor only after the parameters detected by
the sensor have satisfied the wake conditions a certain number of
times or, for example, only after said parameters have satisfied
angular positions of the rotating bicycle component progressively
moved by a predetermined reiteration angle with respect to a
previous angular position of the component.
[0063] Preferably, said reiteration angle is equal to said updating
angle, more preferably it is equal to 90.degree..
[0064] Preferably, the sensor of the wake unit is selected from the
group consisting of an accelerometer, a magnetic field sensor
(preferably self-contained), an inclinometer, a gyroscope, a
pressure sensor, a load cell.
[0065] In the present description and in the attached claims, the
term "self-contained magnetic field sensor" is meant to indicate a
magnetic sensor, for example a magnetometer, which is totally
autonomous, not requiring, to perform its function, any other
element outside of the electronic device in which it is housed. For
example, the self-contained magnetic field sensor can be a
magnetometer adapted for detecting the earth's magnetic field.
[0066] Preferably, the parameters associated with the bicycle
component, detected by the wake unit and in particular by the
sensor thereof, comprise a first component of a vector quantity,
measured along a first detection axis of the sensor.
[0067] Preferably, said vector quantity is indicative of or
referable to a position, more preferably to an angular position, of
the bicycle component.
[0068] The vector quantity is preferably selected from
acceleration, gravitational acceleration, speed, angular speed,
earth's magnetic field, rotation angle.
[0069] Preferably, the parameters associated with the component,
detected by the wake unit and in particular by the sensor thereof,
comprise a second component of the vector quantity, measured along
a second detection axis of the sensor.
[0070] In embodiments, said parameters detected by the wake unit
and in particular by the sensor thereof also comprise a third
component of the vector quantity, measured along a third detection
axis of the sensor.
[0071] Preferably, said first component and, where present, said
second and/or said third component of the vector quantity detected
by the wake unit, are defined by a respective magnitude and a sign,
positive or negative, that represents the direction thereof along
the respective detection axis.
[0072] Preferably, said predetermined wake conditions provide for
exceeding in magnitude a first magnitude threshold of the vector
quantity and matching with a positive sign or with a negative sign
by said first component of the vector quantity measured along the
first detection axis of the sensor.
[0073] More preferably, said predetermined wake conditions provide
for:
[0074] exceeding in magnitude a first magnitude threshold of the
vector quantity and matching with a positive sign or with a
negative sign by said first component of the vector quantity
measured along the first detection axis of the sensor; or
[0075] exceeding in magnitude a second magnitude threshold of the
vector quantity and matching with a positive sign or with a
negative sign by said second component of the vector quantity
measured along the second detection axis of the sensor.
[0076] In this way, the wake signal is sent every time at an
orientation (detection axis) and at a sense (positive or negative
sign), according to which the vector quantity is measured, which
are different, and preferably configured so as to follow a
movement, preferably a rotation, of the bicycle component when in
use.
[0077] More preferably, said predetermined wake conditions also
each comprise exceeding a time threshold of permanence of said
first component of the vector quantity or, respectively, of said
second component of the vector quantity, above the respective first
and second magnitude threshold.
[0078] This allows to verify that the detected magnitude of the
vector quantity is stably above-threshold, filtering the cases of
false positives due to random or undesired oscillations of the
magnitude of the vector quantity.
[0079] In other embodiments, said predetermined wake conditions
provides for one of the following alternative conditions:
[0080] exceeding in magnitude a first magnitude threshold of the
vector quantity and matching with a positive sign or with a
negative sign by said first component of the vector quantity
measured along the first detection axis of the sensor; or
[0081] exceeding in magnitude a second magnitude threshold of the
vector quantity and matching with a positive sign or with a
negative sign by said second component of the vector quantity
measured along the second detection axis of the sensor; or
[0082] exceeding in magnitude a third magnitude threshold of the
vector quantity and matching with a positive sign or with a
negative sign by said third component of the vector quantity
measured along the third detection axis of the sensor.
[0083] Preferably, in this case, said predetermined wake conditions
each also comprise exceeding a time threshold of permanence of said
first component of the vector quantity and, respectively, of said
second and third component of the vector quantity, above the
respective first, second and third magnitude threshold of the
vector quantity.
[0084] More preferably, the sensor of the wake unit is an
accelerometer.
[0085] In this case, said detected vector quantity is an
acceleration.
[0086] When the sensor is an accelerometer, it is preferably
selected from the group consisting of an accelerometer having
piezoelectric effect, an accelerometer having piezo-resistive
effect, an accelerometer having capacitive effect, an accelerometer
for measuring eddy currents.
[0087] Preferably, in this case, said predetermined wake conditions
comprise exceeding in magnitude a first acceleration threshold and
matching with a positive/negative sign by said first acceleration
component measured along the first axis of the accelerometer.
[0088] More preferably, in this case, said predetermined wake
conditions provide for:
[0089] exceeding in magnitude a first acceleration threshold and
matching with a positive sign or with a negative sign by said first
acceleration component measured along the first axis of the
accelerometer; or
[0090] exceeding in magnitude a second acceleration threshold and
matching with a positive sign or with a negative sign by said
second acceleration component measured along the second axis of the
accelerometer.
[0091] In this way, the wake signal is sent every time at an
orientation (axis of the accelerometer) and at a sense (positive or
negative sign), along which the acceleration is measured, which are
different, and preferably configured so as to follow the movement,
preferably the rotation, that the bicycle component follows when in
use.
[0092] For example, when the bicycle component is a crankarm, the
magnitude, orientation and sense of the acceleration components
measured along the detection axes of the accelerometer follow the
rotation of the crankarm imparted by the cyclist during
pedaling.
[0093] Preferably, the processor is configured to detect a rotary
movement of the rotating bicycle component, more preferably based
on an output signal of said sensor of the wake unit.
[0094] Preferably, the processor is configured to switch from the
running mode to the standby mode when it does not detect any rotary
movement of the rotating bicycle component for a time longer than a
threshold value.
[0095] Preferably, the wake unit is completely supported by or in
the bicycle component.
[0096] In other words, the wake unit does not comprise and does not
require elements outside of the bicycle component for its
operation.
[0097] Preferably, the electronic device comprises one or more
electronic components selected from at least one stress/strain
detector, a cadence detector, an analog-to-digital converter, a
communication module, an external/internal temperature sensor, a
volatile/non-volatile memory, which preferably contains the wake
conditions, a battery power unit, a recharging connector, one or
more internal connectors if the electronic device is made in many
parts, one or more connectors towards the outside, a
battery-charging and current and/or voltage limiting circuit, a
protection circuit of the battery power unit (also indicated as ESD
circuit), one or more light indicators, a control device of an
electromechanical or electrohydraulic actuator of an element of the
bicycle.
[0098] When the electronic device comprises a battery power unit,
this preferably comprises one or more batteries that are
replaceable, rechargeable on-board, or rechargeable in a detached
condition from the electronic device.
[0099] When the electronic device comprises many electronic
components, the processor is preferably configured so as to control
the various electronic components such that the electronic device
operates according to different operating states, like for example
a full running state, also indicated as full wake state, a standby
state, and possibly a temporary or partial running state (also
called monitoring state).
[0100] For example, it is possible to provide that in the full wake
state of the electronic device, all of the electronic components of
which it consists are in a respective running mode; that in the
standby state of the device, all of the electronic components are
in standby mode and that in the partially running mode, some
components, like for example the processor and the wake unit, are
in operative or partially running mode, whereas others, currently
not in use, are in standby mode.
[0101] Preferably, said electronic device implements or is part of
a torque and/or power meter.
[0102] Alternatively or additionally, said electronic device
implements or is part of a wireless communication system.
[0103] Alternatively or additionally, said electronic device
implements or is part of an electromechanical or electrohydraulic
actuator of an element of the bicycle.
[0104] In the case in which the electronic device implements or is
part of a torque and/or power meter, preferably such a meter is of
the symmetrical type, and comprises two sub-systems made at each
crankarm of the bicycle, one of said sub-systems including the
aforementioned electronic device.
[0105] In alternative embodiments, the torque and/or power meter is
of the asymmetric type.
[0106] In this case, the torque and/or power meter comprises a
single system made at the crankarm on the transmission side of the
bicycle or at the bottom bracket spindle of the crankset.
[0107] Preferably, when the sensor of the wake unit is an
accelerometer, this also acts as cadence detector of the electronic
device, in particular when the electronic device implements or is
part of a torque and/or power meter.
[0108] Preferably, when the electronic device comprises a
stress/strain detector, this comprises at least one strain gage and
a relative reading unit.
[0109] The processor of the electronic device is in this case
preferably configured to generate a torque signal based on the
signal of said stress/strain detector and/or a power signal based
on the signal of said stress/strain detector and the signal of said
cadence detector.
[0110] Preferably, the processor is configured to turn on the
stress/strain detector when the electronic device enters into full
wake state and to turn off the stress/strain detector when the
electronic device enters into the standby state (or partial
running/monitoring state, where present).
[0111] Preferably, when the electronic device comprises the
communication module, this preferably comprises a radio transceiver
configured to communicate with an external component, in particular
to communicate data such as the torque or power measured at the
external component.
[0112] Preferably, in this case, the processor is configured to
turn on the communication module when the electronic device enters
into the full wake state and to turn off the communication module
when the electronic device enters into the standby state (or
partial running/monitoring state, where present).
[0113] Preferably, the method further comprises the step,
executable by the wake unit of the electronic device, more in
particular by the sensor thereof, or alternatively by a second
sensor of the electronic device or located elsewhere on the
bicycle, of detecting a rotary movement of the rotating bicycle
component.
[0114] Preferably, the method also comprises the step, executable
by the processor of the electronic device, of switching from the
running mode to the standby mode at sleep conditions comprising at
least one condition selected from the group consisting of:
permanence for a time longer than a time threshold value of a
predetermined position of the bicycle component with respect to a
fixed reference element of the bicycle, of a predetermined
inclination taken up by the bicycle and/or by the bicycle component
with respect to a reference axis, of a predetermined load acting on
the bicycle component, of a predetermined angular position of the
rotating bicycle component or of the bicycle transmission
component, taken up during a rotation movement about a rotation
axis, and absence of rotary movement of the rotating bicycle
component for a time longer than a time threshold value.
[0115] Preferably, the method further comprises the step,
executable by the processor when in running mode, of processing
crankarm rotation cadence data and/or pedaling torque data applied
by the cyclist on the crankarm.
[0116] Preferably, the method further comprises the step,
executable by the processor when in running mode, of generating a
torque signal and/or a power signal.
[0117] Preferably, when the bicycle component is a crankarm, the
pedaling torque data are obtained based on the force obtained from
the output of a stress/strain detector and based on the length of
the crankarm, which is known.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0118] Further features and advantages of the invention will become
clearer from the description of preferred embodiments thereof, made
with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
[0119] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device
that can be associated with a bicycle component according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0120] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an electronic device
that can be associated with a bicycle component according to a
preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0121] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a bicycle component
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0122] FIG. 4 illustrates a chart related to the trend over time of
parameters that can be detected by a sensor of the electronic
device of FIG. 2 associated with the bicycle component of FIG.
3;
[0123] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the bicycle component of
FIG. 3 in different angular positions;
[0124] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the definition of wake
conditions associated with a bicycle component according to an
embodiment of the invention;
[0125] FIG. 7 illustrates a qualitative trend of parameters
detected by a sensor with related wake signals according to the
prior art;
[0126] FIG. 8 illustrates qualitative trends of parameters detected
by a sensor of an electronic device supported by a bicycle
component with related wake signals according to an embodiment of
the invention; and
[0127] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of a method of operating
an electronic device associated with a bicycle component according
to a preferred embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0128] FIG. 1 shows a block diagram related to an electronic device
10 configured to be associated with a bicycle component according
to an embodiment of the invention. The electronic device 10
comprises a processor 12 and a wake unit 14 operatively connected
to one another.
[0129] The processor 12 is suitably programmed to control one or
more electronic components (not shown in FIG. 1), which can be part
of the electronic device 10 itself or can belong to other
electronic devices supported elsewhere on the same bicycle
component or more in general on the bicycle.
[0130] The processor 12 and the wake unit 14, as well as the
possible further electronic components of the electronic device 10,
are powered by a suitable power source like for example a battery
power unit (not shown), which can be integrated in the electronic
device 10 itself or be located elsewhere on the bicycle.
[0131] For the purposes of saving energy, the processor 12 is
configured to operate alternately according to a running mode and a
standby mode, in which the energy consumption of the processor 12
is minimized.
[0132] The wake unit 14 comprises in particular a sensor 16
configured to detect one or more parameters associated with the
bicycle component that supports the electronic device 10. The wake
unit 14 is intended to wake the processor 12, taking it from the
standby mode to the running mode, when the parameters detected by
the sensor 16 satisfy predetermined wake conditions, defined and
set as described in detail hereinafter with reference to the
following figures. Similarly, the processor 12 is configured to
enter into standby mode whenever certain sleep conditions occur,
which can for example correspond to a certain value of the
parameters detected by the sensor 16 of the wake unit 14 persisting
for a certain time period.
[0133] The sensor 16 can for example be any one selected from the
group consisting of an accelerometer, a magnetic field sensor, more
preferably self-contained, an inclinometer, a gyroscope, a pressure
sensor, a load cell.
[0134] In particular, the parameters detected by the sensor 16 of
the wake unit 14 preferably comprise one or more components of a
vector quantity, measured along one or more respective detection
axes of the sensor
[0135] According to the invention, the processor 12 is configured
to update the wake conditions of the wake unit 14 after every
waking, in particular shortly before entering into standby
mode.
[0136] In some embodiments, the update of the wake conditions
allows to minimize the chances of undesired waking of the processor
12 of the electronic device 10, achieving an advantageous energy
saving.
[0137] Advantages that can be obtained in accordance with the
invention are appreciable, for example, with reference to the
preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0138] In this case, the bicycle component that supports the
electronic device 100 is a bicycle transmission component as
defined above, more in particular a crankarm, indicated with
reference numeral 20 in FIG. 3.
[0139] The crankarm 20 shown is in particular a crankarm on the
transmission side (in FIG. 3 it is indeed possible to see a
chainring 22 of the front gearshift), but it could equally be a
crankarm on the side opposite to the transmission side. The
electronic device 100 is supported by the arm of the crankarm 20
and is preferably integrated thererewith.
[0140] As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 2, the electronic
device 100 comprises the processor 12 and the wake unit 14, which
in this case comprises an accelerometer 116 acting as a sensor. In
this case, therefore, the vector quantity detected by the
accelerometer 116 is an acceleration of the crankarm
[0141] The actual acceleration to which a crankarm is subjected
during the rotation thereof comprises in general the gravitational
acceleration g, the centripetal acceleration and the tangential
acceleration of the crankarm. Since, during the initial step of the
pedaling motion or close to stopping, the terms of centripetal
acceleration and tangential acceleration are of substantially
negligible entity with respect to the gravitational acceleration g
(specifically this takes place below a certain rotation speed),
hereinafter, for approximation, it will be considered that only the
latter acts on the crankarm. Therefore, only this last term of
gravitational acceleration g is considered in the detections
carried out by the accelerometer 116.
[0142] The accelerometer 116 is configured to detect the
gravitational acceleration g to which the crankarm 20 is subjected
in the rotation plane defined by the axes x and y, which correspond
to the detection axes of the accelerometer 116.
[0143] The accelerometer 116 thus detects the two components
g.sub.x and g.sub.y of the acceleration g, acting respectively
along its perpendicular detection axes x and y. More in particular,
the components g.sub.x and g.sub.y of the acceleration g are
defined by a respective magnitude and a sign, positive or negative,
that represents the sense thereof along the respective detection
axis x or y.
[0144] As shown in FIG. 3, the axis x is defined oriented along an
axial direction of the arm of the crankarm 20, whereas the axis y
is oriented tangentially to the arm of the crankarm 20. The
positive sense of the detection axis x of the accelerometer 116 is
here fixed radially outwards, towards the pedal of the crankarm 20,
whereas the positive sense of the axis y is fixed the same way as a
rotation direction of the crankarm 20.
[0145] FIG. 4 is a chart that illustrates a qualitative trend of
the components g.sub.x(t) and g.sub.y(t) of gravitational
acceleration of the crankarm 20 detected by the accelerometer 116
as the rotation angle .theta. of the crankarm about its rotation
axis (passing through the pin 24 of the crankarm) changes, an angle
that in turn is correlated to time and is therefore indicated as
.theta.(t).
[0146] The components g.sub.x(t) and g.sub.y(t) of the acceleration
g, detected along the detection axes x and y of the accelerometer
116, have sinusoidal trends offset from one another by 90.degree..
For example, as can be seen in FIG. 4, at the positive or negative
peaks of the trend of the component g.sub.x(t), the component
g.sub.y(t) is zero, and vice-versa.
[0147] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates the crankarm 20 (for the
sake of simplicity, the chainrings 22 have been omitted from the
representation) in four angular positions with respect to the
ground 50 on which the bicycle travels, angular positions taken up
by the crankarm 20 in a sequence during a pedaling motion imparted
by a cyclist.
[0148] Starting from the first angular position a), fixed by
convention at 0.degree. with respect to the ground 50, during the
rotation thereof, which in FIG. 5 occurs in the clockwise
direction, the crankarm 20 crosses in a sequence the further
angular positions b) 90.degree., c) 180.degree. and d) 270.degree..
During the rotation of the crankarm 20, the detection axes x and y
of the accelerometer that is fixed along the arm of the crankarm 20
consequently also rotate.
[0149] At the four angular positions a), b), c), and d), the
component g.sub.x of the acceleration, detected by the
accelerometer 116 along the axis x, takes up in a sequence
magnitudes equal to 0, +g, 0 and -g, whereas the component g.sub.y
detected at the axis y perpendicular to the axis x, takes on in a
sequence magnitudes equal to +g, 0,-g and 0, as shown in FIG.
4.
[0150] The accelerometer 116 of the wake unit 14 is programmed to
emit a wake signal, also indicated hereinafter as wake interrupt,
intended for the processor 12, at any one of the positive or
negative peaks of the component g.sub.x(t) and of the component
g.sub.y(t) shown in FIG. 4. For example, the wake conditions can
correspond to any one of the four angular positions a) 0.degree.,
b) 90.degree., c) 180.degree. and d) 270.degree. shown in FIG.
5.
[0151] For example, the predetermined wake conditions can be set so
as to correspond in particular to the angular position of the
crankarm 20 taken up in case c), to 180.degree.. This means that,
in order for the processor 116 to be woken up by the wake signal
sent by the accelerometer 116 of the wake unit 14, the cyclist must
make the crankarm carry out a rotation of 180.degree. from the
angular position at 0.degree. (case a) with respect to the ground,
crossing the angular position at 90.degree. (case b) until the
angular position at 180.degree. is reached (case c). Only when this
predetermined angular position is reached, the wake unit will emit
the wake signal and the processor can enter the running mode.
[0152] As will become clearer from the description of FIG. 6 made
hereinafter, the predetermined angular position is considered
reached when the crankarm 20 enters into an angular delta or angle
of tolerance about the specific angular position, to take into
account a certain positional tolerance.
[0153] Similarly, in order to express this tolerance in terms of
accelerations, the predetermined angular position is considered
reached once a minimum acceleration threshold has been exceeded in
magnitude by one of the two components g.sub.x and g.sub.y
(basically, the non-zero one of the two) detected by the
accelerometer, and by the matching with the respective positive or
negative sign. In the specific case in which the predetermined
angular position is at 180.degree. (case c in FIG. 4), the wake
conditions have occurred when the accelerometer 116 detects a
component g.sub.y of negative sign that exceeds a minimum
acceleration threshold in magnitude.
[0154] For example, the minimum acceleration thresholds Tx and Ty
for each respective component g.sub.x and g.sub.y of the
acceleration are defined in accordance with the following formulae
(1) and (2) with reference to the trigonometric construction of
FIG. 3:
Tx=|g*sin(.theta.)| (1)
Ty=|g*cos(.theta.)| (2)
[0155] Those skilled in the art will be capable of selecting each
time the most suitable values of Tx and Ty based on the
predetermined angular position defined by the angle .theta. and on
the sampling frequency of the accelerometer.
[0156] For greater strength of the wake mechanism, the
predetermined wake conditions preferably also include a minimum
time t.sub.min of permanence of the acceleration component above
the respective minimum acceleration threshold Tx or Ty. Basically,
an acceleration value above threshold is taken in consideration by
the accelerometer 116 for the generation of the interrupt only if
this value is maintained for a time longer than the minimum time
t.sub.min. The provision of the minimum time t.sub.min acts as
filter of possible random fluctuations and for brief periods of the
acceleration values.
[0157] Advantageously, in accordance with the invention, the
processor 12 is configured to update the predetermined wake
conditions of the wake unit 14, specifically the predetermined
angular position. The processor 12 carries out this operation each
time, after the last wakeup and preferably just before entering
into standby mode, so as to define a different updated angular
position of the crankarm 20, starting from the predetermined
angular position used at the last waking.
[0158] In accordance with the wake-wake updating mode described
above, the updated angular position is in particular moved by
90.degree. with respect to the predetermined angular position
previously used. For example, in a practical case, if the last
waking happened at the predetermined angular position of 0.degree.
(case a in FIG. 5), the subsequent wake signal of the processor
will be generated by the accelerometer 116 at the angular position
at 90.degree. (case b in FIG. 5).
[0159] Alternatively, the system can be configured to implement the
sleep-wake updating mode described above, in which case the updated
angular position is moved by 90.degree. with respect to the angular
position taken up by the crankarm 20 upon the last entry of the
processor 12 in standby phase. For example, if the sleeping of the
processor 12 happened at the predetermined angular position of
0.degree. (case a in FIG. 5), the subsequent wake signal of the
processor will be generated by the accelerometer 116 at the angular
position at 90.degree. (case b in FIG. 5).
[0160] An example of definition of the updated angular position of
the crankarm 20 in accordance with the sleep-wake mode is now
described with reference to FIG. 6.
[0161] In the configuration shown, the processor (not visible here)
of the electronic device 100 supported by the crankarm 20 is in
standby mode since the crankarm 20 is in an angular position
indicated in figure with REF not coinciding with the predetermined
angular position P that corresponds to the wake conditions.
[0162] In particular, the predetermined angular position P shown
here coincides with the position at 90.degree. of case b) of FIG.
5. The angular position P is considered reached, and therefore the
wake conditions to have occurred, when the crankarm 20 enters into
the tolerance angle indicated in figure as .theta..sub.wake defined
around the angular position P, and remains within such an angular
delta for the minimum time t.sub.min.
[0163] The ends E1 and E2 of the tolerance angle .theta..sub.wake
are in particular identified by means of two angular deltas .alpha.
and .beta. from the reference position REF of the crankarm. The two
angular deltas .alpha. and .beta. are preferably bound by the
following relationship:
.beta.=n+.alpha. (3)
[0164] In this way, the tolerance angle .theta..sub.wake is
centered around the predetermined angular position P.
[0165] In alternative embodiments, however, it is possible to
provide angular deltas .alpha. and .beta. totally independent from
one another and also such as to obtain a tolerance angle
.theta..sub.wake not centered around the predetermined angular
position P.
[0166] The wake mechanism described above is very effective in
minimizing the chances of undesired waking of the processor 12 of
the electronic device 100.
[0167] The Applicant has indeed verified that, by each time
updating (in other words modifying) the wake conditions for the
emission of a subsequent wake signal, the chances that involuntary
movements or vibrations of the bicycle component (in the example,
the crankarm 20), not corresponding to rotations imparted by the
cyclist through a pedaling movement, can satisfy such wake
conditions and cause undesired waking of the processor 12 of the
electronic device 100, are effectively minimized, thus
advantageously preserving the charge of the battery power unit that
powers the device 100 and its components.
[0168] In particular, since the update of the wake conditions
involves modifying the angular position of the bicycle component at
which the wake signal is emitted, the chances that the component
randomly moves in the updated angular position, which is different
each time from the previous one, are reduced substantially if not
substantially canceled.
[0169] In other words, undesired and repeated vibrations or
movements along a same axis and/or in a same sense (which, for
example, could occur when the bicycle is transported on a vehicle
and is subjected to vibrations) are prevented from causing the
waking of the processor 12 in an undesired manner.
[0170] This is important because every wake involves a much greater
consumption with respect to the standby state and therefore greater
consumption of the battery power unit and shorter lifetime of the
electronic device 100.
[0171] The wake mechanism described is, for example, particularly
suitable for the application in a power meter on the crankarm 20 or
other transmission component, since such type of power meter must
necessarily pass through specific angular positions, in a specific
order, bound by the fact that the cyclist must pedal to generate
power.
[0172] Furthermore, the sleep-wake updating mode described above is
particularly advantageous since it further decreases the chances of
undesired waking of the processor 12. Indeed, the updated angular
position is prevented from being by chance defined at the last
angular sleep position of the processor 12.
[0173] The aforementioned advantages can be better understood from
the comparison between FIGS. 7 and 8.
[0174] FIG. 7 shows the trend of the acceleration detected by an
accelerometer along a single detection axis in the presence of
undesired vibrations and the generation of wake interrupt according
to the prior art.
[0175] FIG. 8 illustrates the trend over time of the acceleration
components g.sub.x and g.sub.y of the crankarm 20 in the presence
of undesired vibrations and the generation of wake interrupt
according to the invention.
[0176] The Applicant has observed that known wake systems (FIG. 7),
wherein the generation of the wake interrupt by the accelerometer
takes place each time after the detection of acceleration values
above the threshold, but still detected along a same detection
direction, easily give rise to undesired wake of the processor.
Indeed, since the wake conditions always remain the same, if the
undesired motion persists and generates accelerations above the
threshold (for example during the transportation of the bicycle on
the roof of a vehicle and in the presence of vertical bumps due to
the passage on an uneven road), the processor will be woken up many
times by the interrupts I erroneously emitted by the accelerometer,
causing a useless consumption of the battery that powers the
components.
[0177] As clear from FIG. 8, the wake mechanism according to the
invention, on the other hand, since it provides for modifying the
wake conditions at each start of sleeping of the processor 12, and
in particular the definition of an updated angular position of the
crankarm 20, more in particular moved by 90.degree. with respect to
the predetermined angular position used at the last wake,
advantageously allows to avoid undesired waking.
[0178] In particular, if the crankarm is subject to repetitive
random vibrations (for example during the transportation of the
bicycle on a vehicle), even if a single first random wake takes
place (for example at the predetermined angular position of
0.degree., case a in FIG. 5) and the minimum acceleration threshold
T.sub.y for the acceleration component g.sub.y is exceeded, for a
time longer than the minimum time T.sub.min, the generation of
further undesired wake interrupts by the accelerometer is prevented
thanks to the update of the wake conditions (for example on an
updated angular position of 90.degree. (case b in FIG. 5)) operated
by the processor 12 before entering into standby mode.
[0179] FIG. 9 shows a flowchart 200 related to a method of
operating the electronic device 100 provided with the wake unit 14,
according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. The flowchart
represents in particular a program able to be executed by the
processor 12 of the electronic device 100.
[0180] In this embodiment, the electronic device 100 implements a
power meter and therefore also comprises one or more stress/strain
detectors, in particular in the form of strain gages, an
analog-to-digital converter, a communication module and a
volatile/non-volatile memory, which stores the wake conditions.
[0181] In a block 202, the processor 12 wakes up and switches into
a running mode.
[0182] The first execution of block 202 can take place for example
after a wake signal received by the wake unit 14 (see block 228),
or can be caused by switching on of an on-off switch that is not
shown, or by the insertion in the electronic device 100 of a
battery power unit not shown.
[0183] At block 202 the device 100 switches from a standby state
(represented at blocks 226 and 228) to a STARTING and initial
configuration state (blocks 204, 205 and 206).
[0184] In the standby state of the device 100, the accelerometer
116 is turned on in low consumption/wake mode (with reduced
sampling for example at 8 bit, 10 Hz) adapted for ensuring the
generation and transmission of the wake signal to the processor 12.
Furthermore, in the standby state of the device 100, a small
portion of the processor 12, called "sense unit", having very low
consumption, for monitoring inputs, also preferably stays turned on
so as to detect the wake signal coming from the accelerometer 116
when the wake conditions occur. Furthermore, other possible
components of the electronic device 100 can be turned on like, for
example, a protection circuit of the battery power unit (if present
in the device 100).
[0185] Subsequently, in a block 204, the processor 12 starts an
initial configuration procedure in which it self-configures and
takes care of setting the auxiliary electronics.
[0186] In particular, at block 204 some portions of the processor
12 are preferably turned on, like for example the clock unit (RTC)
and a data communication peripheral with the accelerometer 116 (for
example of the SPI or I2C type), intended to monitor, at block 208,
whether or not a rotation of the crankarm 20 has been detected.
[0187] In a subsequent block 205, the processor 12 configures the
accelerometer 116 (or the wake unit 14 in general) so that it
operates in a partial running/monitoring mode, adapted for the
detection of the rotation of the crankarm 20. In particular, in
this partial running/monitoring mode, the accelerometer 116 is
adapted for sending an interrupt to the processor 12 at each change
of quadrant of the crankarm 20, in other words each time that the
crankarm 20 rotates a further 90.degree.. This is obtained thanks
to the fact that, in this mode, upon receiving each interrupt from
the accelerometer 116, the processor 12 is adapted for modifying
the configuration of the accelerometer 116 so that the next
interrupt is sent from the accelerometer 116 to the processor 12 at
an angle rotated by 90.degree. with respect to the previous
one.
[0188] The accelerometer 116, when it is in partial
running/monitoring mode, has a precision and sampling frequency
(for example 10 bit, 50 Hz) that are greater with respect to the
aforementioned low consumption/wake mode, but lower with respect to
the full wake mode where it reaches instead high precision and
sampling frequency, for example 12 bit/400 Hz or more.
[0189] In a block 206, the processor 12 resets a first time counter
T1.
[0190] In subsequent block 208, the processor 12 verifies whether
the output of the accelerometer 116 of the wake unit 14 is
indicative of a rotation of the crankarm 20.
[0191] Inside block 208, in order for a rotation by the processor
12 to be detected, it is necessary for a certain number of
subsequent interrupts, for example after a passage of the crankarm
20 by 90.degree. and then by 180.degree., to follow one another
with a frequency that corresponds to a minimum rotation pedaling
cadence. The time distance between two subsequent interrupts is for
example 3 seconds, corresponding to a minimum rotation cadence of
20 rpm.
[0192] If the outcome at block 208 is negative, in other words if
the processor 12 does not detect any rotation, the method moves to
block 220 in which it is verified whether the time T1 is equal to
or greater than a first timeout time Timeout1. For example, 10
s.ltoreq.Timeout1.ltoreq.30 s.
[0193] If the outcome at block 220 is negative, the method returns
to the verification of block 208 (see above) and the processor 12
simply waits for a rotation event of the crankarm 20.
[0194] If the outcome at block 220 is positive, i.e. if the first
timeout time Timeout1 has been exceeded, the method moves to block
222.
[0195] During the execution of blocks 208 and 220 of the method
200, the electronic device 100 is in a MONITORING state in which
the accelerometer 116 is in a higher consumption state and works at
a sampling frequency (for example 10 bit, 50 Hz), necessary to
detect the rotation of the crankarm 20, which is greater with
respect to the one in the standby state of the electronic device
100 (for example equal to 8 bit, 10 Hz) in which the accelerometer
116 operates in low consumption/wake mode and must only detect
whether there has been a movement. Furthermore, the processor 12 is
partially active.
[0196] If the outcome at block 208 is affirmative, in other words
if the processor 12 detects a rotation of the crankarm 20, at block
210 the electronic device 100 enters into an ACTIVE or full wake
state in which it remains during the entire execution of blocks
210-218 of the method 200. At block 210 the processor 12 configures
the accelerometer 116 so that it sends the data necessary for the
detection of the pedaling cadence to the processor 12 for the
purposes of the subsequent calculation of the torque and/or power,
increasing the precision and sampling frequency of the
accelerometer by bringing them for example to 12 bit, 400 Hz.
Furthermore, the processor 12 suspends the operation described
above with reference to block 205 of modifying each time the angle
of interrupt transmission by the accelerometer 116
[0197] Furthermore, again at block 210, the processor 12 takes care
of turning on all of the peripherals necessary for the operation of
the device 100 (for example, communication module, analogue-digital
converter, possible LEDs, reading unit of the stress/strain
detector).
[0198] In the next block 212, a second time counter T2 is
resetted.
[0199] Therefore, at block 214, the processor 12 carries out the
calculation of the pedaling torque applied by the cyclist on the
crankarm 20 based on the force obtained by the stress/strain
detector, the calculation of the pedaling cadence based on the data
obtained by the accelerometer 116 and the pedaling power based on
the calculated torque and cadence.
[0200] In the next block 216, the processor 12 verifies whether at
least one or both of the calculated cadence and torque are equal to
zero.
[0201] In the negative case, the method returns to carrying out the
block 212 of resetting the time counter T2 and the next block
214.
[0202] If, on the other hand, the verification of block 216 has a
positive outcome, in other words if at least one of the cadence and
the torque is zero, in a block 218 it is verified whether the
second time counter T2 has exceeded a second timeout time Timeout2.
For example, 10.ltoreq.Timeout2.ltoreq.30 s.
[0203] In the case of a positive outcome of the verification of
block 218, i.e. if the second timeout time Timeout2 has been
exceeded, the method returns to block 205, taking the accelerometer
116 back into partial running/monitoring mode, resetting the time
counter T1 (block 206) and then returning to verifying, in block
208, whether the accelerometer has detected another rotation of the
crankarm 20.
[0204] In the negative case of the verification of block 218, on
the other hand, in other words if the time T2 has not exceeded the
second timeout time Timeout2, the method moves once again to
carrying out the calculation at block 214. In this way, the
processor 12 takes into account the fact that also during the
normal use of the bicycle, there are moments in which the crankarm
is not set in rotation, but only temporarily: for example at the
traffic lights, downhill, in the case of deceleration etc.
[0205] It should be observed that, in the case of a positive
outcome of the verification of block 218, the method provides for
moving from block 218 to block 205 (and not, for example, directly
to block 222) and thus of switching from the full wake state to the
monitoring state of the electronic device 100. This allows to avoid
switching directly to the standby state of the electronic device
100 in situations in which the cyclist could start pedaling again
after a short time from stopping and beyond the time defined by
Timeout2, for example after having travelled a certain distance
downhill without pedaling or a brief maintenance stop.
[0206] Indeed, if the time in which there is an absence of pedaling
is relatively short, it is more advantageous in energetic terms to
remain in the monitoring state instead of switching to the standby
state, since a complete turning off with subsequent re-turning on
involves an initial consumption peak. In any case, it is also
possible to provide for moving directly from block 218 to block
222.
[0207] Going back to the verification of block 220, in the case of
a positive outcome, the method 200 moves to the next block 222 in
which the processor 12 defines updated wake conditions, represented
in this case by an updated angular position. The update of the wake
conditions is carried out by the processor 12 by updating the
magnitude of the minimum acceleration thresholds T.sub.x, T.sub.y,
the sense (positive or negative) of the acceleration components
g.sub.x and g.sub.y along the two detection axes x and y, and
possibly updating the minimum time threshold t.sub.min of staying
above the acceleration threshold.
[0208] In the next block 224, the processor 12 prepares the device
100 for turning off by carrying out conventional shut-down
procedures of the various electronic components so as to take
itself and the device 100 into standby state.
[0209] During the execution of blocks 222-224 of the method 200,
the electronic device 100 is in a start of TURNING OFF state that
takes the processor 12 into standby mode (block 226) and the device
100 into the standby state (blocks 226 and 228).
[0210] Once it has entered into standby mode at block 226, the
processor 12, and in particular its sense unit, stays active to
ensure the monitoring of its inputs and in particular to verify
(block 228) the reception of a possible wake signal by the
accelerometer 116.
[0211] In the case of a negative outcome of the test, the processor
12 returns to block 226 and stays in standby state.
[0212] If, on the other hand, the verification of block 228 is
positive and a wake signal is detected, the method starts again
from block 202.
[0213] In order to further strengthen the wake mode of the
processor 12, in alternative embodiments of the invention it is
possible to suitably configure the processor 12 and/or the wake
unit 14 so that the wake signal is sent to the processor 12 (block
228) only at "reiterated" wake conditions.
[0214] For example, in a first scenario, it is possible to
configure the wake unit 14 so that it emits the wake signal direct
to the processor 12 only after having counted a predetermined
number N of passages (in other words rotations) of the crankarm 20
through the predetermined angular position previously defined
(through a counter inside the wake device). In a similar way, it is
possible to configure the wake unit 14 so that it emits the wake
signal direct to the processor 12 only after having counted a
predetermined number N of changes of quadrant of the crankarm, in
other words N movements of 90.degree. from the predetermined
angular position established earlier. In order to detect these
different passages, the accelerometer 116 can work at a slightly
greater sampling frequency with respect to the general case
described above, which results in a slightly greater energy
consumption of the accelerometer 116 when the device 100 is in
standby state. This scenario presumes taking some calculation
functions inside the wake unit 14.
[0215] In a second scenario, it is possible to configure the
processor 12 so that switching from the standby mode to the running
mode of the processor 12 (switching from block 228 to block 202)
takes place only after having received a plurality of reiterated
wake signals by the wake unit 14 and in particular the
accelerometer 116. This second scenario requires a pulse counter
entering into the processor 12 also capable of operating with the
processor partially turned off.
[0216] Although in the previous detailed description reference has
mainly been made to a wake unit comprising an accelerometer acting
as sensor, the invention also applies, mutatis mutandis, to wake
units comprising a sensor of a different type like, for example, a
magnetic field sensor, more preferably self-contained, an
inclinometer, a gyroscope, a pressure sensor, or a load cell.
[0217] Furthermore, although reference has mainly been made to a
crankarm, the invention is equally applicable to other components
of the bicycle such as moving components, preferably rotating, of
the bicycle, more preferably other components of the transmission
of the bicycle like for example a pedal, a crankarm on the
transmission side, a chainring, a bottom bracket spindle, a
freewheel body of a cogset, or a sprocket.
[0218] Therefore, based on the type of bicycle component that
supports the electronic device 10, 100 and the type of sensor 16
included in the wake unit 14, wake conditions can include, as well
as a predetermined angular position of the component around its own
rotation axis, further conditions like for example a predetermined
position of the bicycle component with respect to a fixed reference
element of the bicycle, a predetermined inclination taken up by the
bicycle and/or by the bicycle component with respect to a reference
axis, a predetermined load acting on the bicycle component,
etc.
[0219] For example, in other embodiments, the bicycle electronic
device 10, 100 can implement a wireless communication system,
supported by a derailleur and/or by a relative control associated
with it.
[0220] In this case, merely as an example it is possible to provide
for a sensor of the wake unit intended to detect an inclination
take up by the bicycle with respect to a reference axis or with
respect to the magnetic/gravitational field of the earth. The wake
conditions include, in this case, a respective predetermined
inclination of the bicycle with respect to the aforementioned
reference axis.
[0221] According to the invention, the processor is in this case
preferably configured to update every time, before going back into
standby mode, the subsequent wake conditions according to a
sleep-wake updating mode, defining an updated inclination of the
bicycle that is indicative of a use condition.
[0222] In a practical example, if the processor of the electronic
device enters into standby mode when the bicycle remains "laying"
on the ground for a certain time period, i.e. at a sleep condition
corresponding to remaining, for a time longer than a time threshold
value, with a substantially horizontal inclination of the bicycle,
it is possible to provide for defining the next wake condition at
an updated vertical inclination, so that the processor only wakes
up when the bicycle is lifted from the ground by the user to be
used.
[0223] Or, vice-versa, if the processor of the electronic device
enters into standby mode when the bicycle remains positioned
vertically for a certain time period, for example fixed onto a
vehicle for the purposes of transportation, it is possible to
differently provide for defining the next wake condition at an
updated laterally inclined inclination, corresponding for example
to the moment at which the user removes the bicycle from the
vehicle and inclines it to get on it.
[0224] In yet alternative embodiments, the bicycle electronic
device 10, 100 can be supported by a seat post or by a suspension
of the bicycle.
[0225] In these cases, the sensor of the wake unit can be for
example implemented by a load cell adapted for detecting a
pressure/load acting on the saddle or respectively on the
suspension. In the case of the suspension, it is possible to
provide a sensor adapted for detecting the variations in length of
the stems of the suspension like, for example, an optical sensor
adapted for detecting notches on the stems.
[0226] The wake conditions can thus include, in this case, a
predetermined load value acting on the seat post or on the
suspension of the bicycle or, in the case of suspension, a
predetermined length of the stems of the suspension, and the
processor is consequently configured every time to define,
according to a sleep-wake updating mode, updated wake conditions
that are indicative of the use of the bicycle.
[0227] For example, if the processor of the electronic device
enters into standby mode with an "unloaded" value (in other words
minimum or zero load due to a user getting off the bicycle)
remaining for a certain time period, it is possible to provide as
updated wake condition an updated load value corresponding more or
less to the minimum weight of a user acting on the saddle and/or on
the suspensions so as to wake the processor when the user gets back
onto the bicycle.
[0228] Or, vice-versa, if the processor of the electronic device
enters into standby mode when the bicycle remains stationary with
the user in the saddle for a certain time period, it is possible
differently to provide as updated wake condition an "unloaded"
value (in other words minimum or zero load), due to the user
getting up to give a starting thrust after a temporary stop.
[0229] Also in these further cases, by changing the wake conditions
it is possible to implement the wake mechanism according to an
alternative, reliable and effective technique. Furthermore, it is
possible to avoid undesired waking of the electronics of the
device, due to vibrations or other conditions of the bicycle
typically linked for example to transportation.
[0230] The above is a description of various embodiments of
inventive aspects, and further changes can be brought without
departing from the scope of the present invention. The shape and/or
size and/or position and/or orientation of the various components
and/or the sequence of various steps can be changed. The functions
of an element or module can be carried out by two or more
components or modules, and vice-versa. Components shown directly
connected or in contact can have intermediate structures arranged
between them. Steps shown directly following one another can have
intermediate steps carried out between them. The details shown in a
figure and/or described with reference to a figure or to an
embodiment can apply in other figures or embodiments. Not all of
the details shown in a figure or described in the same context must
necessarily be present in a same embodiment. Features or aspects
that are innovative with respect to the prior art, alone or in
combination with other features, are deemed to be described per se,
irrespective of what is explicitly described as innovative.
* * * * *